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Links between work experiences and organizational commitment during the first year of employment: A longitudinal analysis *
Author(s) -
Meyer John P.,
Allen Natalie J.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of occupational psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.257
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 2044-8325
pISSN - 0305-8107
DOI - 10.1111/j.2044-8325.1988.tb00284.x
Subject(s) - organizational commitment , psychology , work (physics) , social psychology , mechanical engineering , engineering
In this study, the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire and self‐report measures of work experiences were completed by newly hired university graduates 1, 6 and 11 months after starting employment. The time‐lagged influence of work experiences on commitment, and of commitment on work experiences, was examined using structural regression analyses. The results revealed effects of work experiences in the first month of employment on commitment measured after 6 and 11 months. The strongest and most consistent effects were obtained for confirmation of pre‐entry expectations and the opportunity for self‐expression. Some, albeit weaker, evidence was also provided for time‐lagged effects of commitment on perceived work experiences, particularly in the 6–11‐month lag. Implications for theory and research concerning the development of commitment are discussed.